Today’s Meditation

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.

-Hebrews 12:1 (NRSV)

When I ran track in high school, I was often afraid that my performance would not measure up. I feared humiliation and mocking. This worsened after we lost by one point to a team that our coach particularly wanted to beat. He spent the bus ride home disparaging us with violent and profane language. Later, I talked this over with my grandfather, a retired coach. His advice was simply to give all I had and be at peace with that.

During our next home meet, I resolved to conquer my fears and to give my best. Rather than focus on the race as I should have, I focused on contending with these fears. As I rounded my last turn, however, I glanced into the stands and saw my family loudly cheering me on. Seeing them inspired me so much that I forgot my fears and finished with my best time ever!

The Bible speaks to us of a cloud of witnesses who surround us, helping us to forget the weight of our fears and the shame of sin so that we can finish the race. Let us change our focus from the things that bind us and instead switch our attention to the support God offers as we run the race.

Mack McKinney

(Texas, USA)

Prayer:
Source of our strength, help us to do what we can and to leave the rest with you. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Focusing on God can free us from our fears and doubts.